(Hungary/Germany, 1999, 110 min., English, Hungarian, German with subtitles)
Directed by Rolf Schübel
A lush, romantic drama, Gloomy Sunday takes its title from a song so melancholy and beautiful that it drove listeners to suicide. Based on a true story, the film is set in 1930s Budapest and follows the passionate love triangle of Laszlo, a Jewish restaurateur, Ilona, his stunning and sensual waitress, and András, a sullen composer and pianist. As a birthday gift, András writes a haunting melody for Ilona that wins the hearts of the entire city, as well as its occupying German forces. This elegant period piece ends with an astonishing and satisfying twist.
